PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF PRUNING. 105 



be applied as in forming dwarf pears, with the exception of 

 the form given to them, and being more dwarfish in growth, 

 less shortening of the shoots is required (Fig. 147). 



Small, slow-growing varieties, as the Melon, Early Joe, 

 Red Canada, Hawley, Jonathan, Lady Sweet, Summer Pear- 

 main, Dyer, Lady, and Lowell, may be pruned into pyramids 

 and kept small, so as to stand not farther than ten feet apart. 

 Thriftier varieties, on Doucin stock, may be treated in the 

 same way. 



The Cherry and Plum may be pruned in the form of pyra- 

 mids on the same principles as the apple and pear. The Mo- 

 rello and Duke cherries may be treated either as pyramids or 

 as smaller, rounded, open-headed dwarfs. 



Pruning Apple- Orchards in Bearing. The mode of pruning 

 old neglected apple-trees, with a view to restoring their vigor 

 and fruitfulness, is more particu- 

 larly pointed out on another page ; 

 it may be only necessary here to 

 remark that the chief requisites to 

 keep steadily in view during the 

 operation, are : i. To avoid cutting 

 off large limbs except in cases of 

 absolute necessity. 2. To admit 

 light equally into all parts of the 

 tree by thinning out the branches. 

 3. To remove all crooked or badly 

 growing limbs, and reserve a hand- 

 some evenly distributed top. 4. To 

 do the work gradually, or in successive years, and commenc- 

 ing by preference at the top or centre, which will favor an 

 open top. 5. To give a coating on all fresh wounds an inch 

 or more in diameter, of the composition made of shellac dis- 

 solved in alcohol, just thick enough to be of the consistence 

 of paint. The surface should be allowed to remain uncovered 

 a few days after the cut is made, in order to become dry. 

 The handle of the brush being inserted in the cork, it is kept 

 air-tight in drying, and alway ready ; but fine sand, brick dust, 

 or powdered chalk, mixed with warm gas-tar, is a good appli- 

 cation and much cheaper. Grafting-wax does well, and may 

 be applied with a brush when melted, or in the form of thick 



FIG. 148. Limb properly cut 

 at A ; improperly at B. 



